2024 Lincoln Navigator

There are full-size luxury SUVs and then there are really, really big, super-luxurious SUVs. The Navigator falls into that second description, with the extended-length Navigator L variant putting the cherry around the back (as opposed to on top). This Lincoln is just as much a part of American SUV culture as the Cadillac Escalade, the archrival from General Motors.

SUV usually stands for sport utility vehicle, but in the case of the Navigator, we could substitute “sport” for “swish” and get closer to describing it. Even the most affordable version has extremely comfortable seats and a high-end audio system.

Every new Navigator comes with 4-wheel drive as standard. The most affordable variant gains a name: Premiere. The BlueCruise system of partial self-driving (known formerly as Active Glide) becomes available across the range; it’s a subscription service with a 4-year term replacing a 2-year term. And Flight Blue Metallic paint supersedes Ocean Blue. This generation debuted for the 2019 model year — a revamp is in the works, perhaps making its debut as a 2025 model.

Looking at the competition, the BMW X7 starts at about $82K. The Cadillac Escalade also starts from the low 80s. The Range Rover starts at $107.4K. Budget at least $85K for a Mercedes-Benz GLS (refreshed for 2024), or $90K for a Jeep Grand Wagoneer or Lexus LX. The aging Infiniti QX80 begins in the mid-70s.

Before buying a new Navigator large luxury SUV, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying. The Lexus LX has the strongest resale values. The Navigator turns in a slightly below-average performance here.

The Navigator is propelled by a 440-horsepower turbocharged V6. That’s a lot of muscle for the class. Acceleration is swift (standstill to 60 mph in just over five seconds), yet happens in a suitably hushed manner.

Every time we drive a Navigator, it’s hard not to feel like the ruler of the road. It’s a special feeling, accompanied by some intriguing sensations. For example, sitting high up and feeling securely ensconced in its cabin, the commanding sense of the road is blissful. Under the right foot, meanwhile, is control over a responsive and energetic engine.

This big Lincoln SUV glides along smoothly and calmly even when that right foot does a little flexing. A road-reading adaptive suspension is part of the deal, bringing a fine balance of comfort and control. Another of the Navigator’s fanciest features is the ability to drive itself. Kind of. The available BlueCruise system allows hands-free driving on certain roads, similar to Cadillac’s Super Cruise system. Regular adaptive cruise control is standard.

We appreciate that as luxurious as the Navigator’s cabin is, it still gets the basics right. It’s easy to reach and control common functions such as climate, audio, and the like. No fussing with haptic feedback or pinpointing a spot on a touchscreen just to turn on the seat heater. The Navigator does, however, use buttons to get into Park, Reverse, Neutral, and Drive, which can take some getting used to.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and researching the current collection of full-size luxury SUVs, including the Lincoln Navigator.

Fuel Economy

The Navigator achieves 18 combined mpg (16 city, 22 highway). That’s about average for the class. The BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS, both smaller, should manage 20 to 22 combined mpg. It’s OK to fill up the Navigator with regular gasoline.

The 2024 Lincoln Navigator can accommodate up to eight occupants when configured with a second-row bench seat. This can be replaced by a pair of captain’s chairs to reduce the posterior count to seven. Either way, Lincoln describes this cabin as a “sanctuary.” That’s not mere marketing; it’s more like excellent sound insulation. Lincoln’s interior design is among the best out there, and the Navigator sits at the top of the lineup.

Such a description is truer still with the top Black Label edition, offered in themes such as Central Park, Invitation, Yacht, and Chalet. But even the least expensive Navigator is awash in luxurious features designed to soothe. Think heated and ventilated seats in the first two rows, the ability to use a phone as a key, and a concierge service. Drivers and front passengers can find the absolute perfect position with the Navigator’s optional (and massaging) 30-way power-adjustable seats.

There’s enough space to impress an astronomer. Even a tall astronomer sitting in the third row and enjoying a copious 40.9 inches of legroom. The luggage area behind the third row stretches from 20.9 cubic feet to 36 (Navigator L), and maximum cargo room with seats folded expands from 103.3 cubic feet to 120.2 in the extended version.

The Lincoln Navigator has a big, bold, rectangular style, all dressed in opulence. A massive honeycomb grille with the Lincoln logo embedded in the center takes pride of place up front. Chrome glistens on various trim pieces, and alloy wheels come in 20 inches or 22 inches. At 221.9 inches, the Navigator L is almost a foot longer than the standard model’s 210 inches.

Revel audio systems
Revel is a high-end audio company and part of the Harman conglomerate. Even the base Revel system used in the entry-level Premiere model sounds outstanding.

Two sizes
The Navigator is a massive SUV, for sure. But for buyers needing even more cargo room, the extended-length Navigator L should do the trick.

Infotainment system
We’ve long liked the intuitive user interface of the infotainment systems in Lincolns and Fords. And it keeps getting better, offering over-the-air updates and voice command recognition.

Active Park Assist
Considering how big the Navigator SUV is, this self-parking feature is a welcome part of the standard equipment inventory.

Power-retractable running boards
The Navigator sits high, so some drivers and passengers might need help climbing in and out. They will definitely appreciate this extra step. It’s optional in the Premiere and standard with Reserve and Black Label trims.

BlueCruise
This innovative hands-free driving system is among the most advanced driver-assist systems available. It currently works on more than 130,000 miles of North American roads.

All Navigators use a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine developing 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque — robust figures that don’t make us miss a V8. This energy goes to all four wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission that we’ve found to be a smooth operator. Maximum towing capacity goes from 8,100 pounds (extended length) to 8,300 pounds (standard length).

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

The 2024 Lincoln Navigator has a 4-year/50,000-mile (whichever happens first) new-vehicle warranty, which is common in the luxury sector. Lincoln includes roadside assistance. The powertrain is covered for six years or 70,000 miles. There’s also free scheduled maintenance for the first four years or 50,000 miles, which is not common at all.

Safety Ratings

This generation of Navigator has a maximum 5-Star overall score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Standard safety features include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, intersection assistance, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and trailer coverage, plus a 360-degree camera system.